devoid of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that has no significance, is empty, or is otherwise without purpose. For example, "The lecture was devoid of meaning and I could not understand why we had to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The definition is not devoid of meaning.

Cornell University

It is skillful, earnest and devoid of meaning.

The New York Times

Maybe it was a reflex, devoid of meaning.

The New York Times

In this view, Coke's "Open Happiness" is just a slogan devoid of meaning.

University of California, Berkeley

From that perspective Saturdaynight's dead rubber was not entirely devoid of meaning.

The Guardian - Sport

The lines are pompous huff and puff - a string of clichés almost devoid of meaning.

The Guardian

It's just a clump of words that are, individually and collectively, utterly devoid of meaning.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The definition of censorship has loosened so much that the word has become nearly devoid of meaning.

The New York Times

Literary language not only doesn't seem to have a funnybone, it is also often utterly devoid of meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

We simply don't yet know how much oil there is in Tiber, so comparisons are largely devoid of meaning.

Independent

She said it's common for some words to be used so often that they actually become devoid of meaning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of meaning" to describe concepts, actions, or expressions that lack purpose or significance. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of meaning" to describe emotional states or personal feelings. Alternatives like "empty" or "hollow" are often more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of meaning" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or concept, indicating the absence of significance, purpose, or value. Ludwig AI examples show its use across diverse contexts, consistently conveying a lack of inherent sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of meaning" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something lacking significance or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "meaningless" or "insignificant" exist, "devoid of meaning" emphasizes a complete absence of meaning. It’s prevalent in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what lacks meaning and avoid overuse in emotional contexts. With careful application, "devoid of meaning" effectively conveys the absence of significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless

A single-word substitute, directly stating the absence of meaning.

empty of significance

Replaces "meaning" with "significance", emphasizing the lack of importance.

devoid of significance

Uses the synonym "significance" to highlight the lack of importance.

lacking in purpose

Focuses on the absence of intended use or goal.

insignificant

Indicates a lack of importance or consequence.

pointless

Stresses the lack of any useful outcome or purpose.

bereft of content

Highlights the absence of substance or meaningful material.

without substance

Implies a lack of real or lasting value.

hollow

Suggests an emptiness or lack of genuine feeling or value.

vacuous

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of intellectual substance.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of meaning" to describe something lacking significance, such as "The politician's speech was "devoid of meaning" and offered no real solutions."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of meaning"?

Alternatives include "meaningless", "insignificant", or "empty of significance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "lacking meaning" or "devoid of meaning"?

"Devoid of meaning" emphasizes a complete absence of meaning, while "lacking meaning" suggests a partial absence. The better choice depends on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "devoid of meaning"?

It's best to avoid using "devoid of meaning" when describing deeply personal or emotional experiences. Other phrases might capture the nuance more effectively in such situations.